Welcome to 1 Mother 2 Another! To read my most
recent weblog entries, scroll down. To read entries from one
category, click the links at right. To read my journey from
the beginning, click here.
To find out more about me, click
here.

Top 5s

Short on time? Click here to
go to myTop
5s Page - links to my top five recommendations
in every category from Breastfeeding Sites to Urban Living
Solutions.

birthday swing

Josh starts solids

Today is your birthday, sweet girl. Can
you believe it? Seven years old! We spent all weekend celebrating
your birthday in one seemingly endless fantasia: your oldest friend
came in from out of town to surprise you Saturday morning and spend
the whole weekend with you; we had a fun party riding horses on
Saturday afternoon; and celebrated with family Sunday night. Plus
chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, favorite lunches, and more
– it’s been a looong weekend honoring you in our lives.

So in some ways the whole Age Seven thing seems old news; but in
other ways – in Mommy Time – it’s still startling
and a teensy bit unwelcome.

Just keeping it real here.

You are just finishing up first grade, and
have been vocal about your impatience to learn more, to be more
challenged in school. You’ve spent a large part of the spring
semester asking if you could just “go ahead into second
grade” because “first grade is just kindergarten over
again”. Fortunately for you, your teachers are some of the
best in the country and they work every day to challenge you, give
you extra projects and teach you new concepts as you race to know
MORE. Your homeroom teacher has given you a couple old
encyclopedia-type books from the 1980’s: one on Myths and
Legends, and another on Holidays and Customs. You spend large parts
of your nights reading them like comic books, poring over entries
on Sasquatch or Greek spring festivals. You asked for an almanac
for your birthday and ask your teacher when she’s going to
let you work on more algebra problems. I have to say, this part of
you tickles me enormously, though I suspect in a few years
I’ll be running hard just to keep you mentally fed.

You run full-tilt at life, and don’t let your fears hold you
back. Not to say that you don’t have fears: you definitely
do. But you push yourself to go ahead and do something anyway. Some
people describe you as fearless, but I know that you are simply
Hugely Brave in spite of your fear.

In fact, the only thing that holds you back is yourself. You, my
child, have incredibly high standards – for yourself.
Kickball this year has been a big challenge for you in school,
because you have been nearly paralyzed with fear, worrying
you’ll be less than perfect when you line up to kick the
ball. I watched you play your grade’s final kickball
tournament, and the entire game you were fidgety with nerves,
worrying about your time at the home plate. When you stepped up and
kicked a run that got you to first, only to go on and eventually
score the last – and winning – point for your team,
I’ll admit I was crying up in those stands. Every time you
face down your own impossibly high standards and let yourself try
– and give yourself permission to fail – you grow so
much, baby. I love watching it happen .

You are still fiercely loyal to your friends and enjoy as many
playdates as I’ll let you have. Interestingly enough, you see
all your friends through the rose-colored glasses you refuse to don
for self-examination: one friend is “amazingly pretty”
while another is “SO good at soccer!” and a third is
“always kind to EVERYONE!” You are so effuse with your
praise for your friends, and always compare yourself to them and
find yourself wanting. I wish you’d measure your own self as
generously as you measure your friends.

This year has been the year you’ve fully realized that you
will Never. Be as old as your sister. And trying to keep up with
her has been frustrating and agonizing and heart-wrenching, but you
still don’t quite want to admit it’s not going to
happen. Remember, Li’l Bit, that I was the younger sister
too, and I know what it’s like to keep chasing the moving
finish line. When you finally stop comparing yourself to your
sister – or anyone – you’ll be so much happier. I
promise.

You started horseback riding this year, and you’ve really
enjoyed your time at the stables. You’re such a little thing
on that big horse, and you still don’t want him to break into
a gallop because trotting’s so hard on you, you can’t
imagine what a gallop must feel like. But you sure love hanging
around the stables on a Saturday, and I’m eager to see where
you go with this.

Dancing is still high on your list of loves as well, and let me
tell you, watching you dance is about my favorite thing in the
world. When you dance, baby, everyone can see the pure joy in your
eyes, and as you move we see what the music sounds like to you.
Cora, you have a real gift there, and while I don’t know how
you’re going to use it, I have no doubt you will use it your
whole life.

You’ve also fallen in love with the stage in general, and our
trip to New York last summer certainly didn’t help to slow
that down. After seeing Newsies on Broadway and getting a backstage
tour, you were the only kid in our neighborhood to trick-or-treat
as a Newsie, in your little newsboy cap and bloomers, your
messenger bag/candy bag slung over your shoulder as you earnestly
shouted, “Buy a paper, mister! Trick or treat!”

I think you’ve got a real gift for taking care of people, for
nurturing, for acts of service. You’re happiest when
you’re helping out in a soup kitchen line, or helping me
organize some items for a large group, or even assisting your
teacher with a project. You love feeling useful, I think, and while
I want to encourage that servant’s heart, I also don’t
want you to get all your sense of self-worth in that way. You are
precious, sweet girl, all by yourself, and I would love you to
pieces even if all you did was sit and stare out the window all
day.

What will happen over this next year? I honestly don’t know.
Summer is our time to try out new things in a low-commitment
setting, and you’ve asked to try a soccer camp this summer,
wanting to give a sport a go for the first time ever. Will you fall
in love with team sports? Want to continue with ballet or horseback
riding? Decide to become more serious about your painting, and want
to go deeper into that? Only time will tell.

I’ve had such a fantastic weekend celebrating your
pre-birthday, baby, and am so glad you were born all those years
ago! God’s given me such a wonderful gift in making me your
mother.

I love you so much!

Mommy

Comments

34499Written by Adidas schuhe selbst gestalten on 2014-06-21 01:14:06 IP: 72.46.131.194Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a outstanding job! Adidas schuhe selbst gestalten

96610Written by nike fussballschuhe on 2014-06-21 01:14:08 IP: 72.46.131.194Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. nike fussballschuhe

21641Written by Clayton on 2014-07-05 00:44:48 IP: 111.243.236.192Someone essentially help to make severely articles I'd state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual submit amazing. Magnificent process!

Dear Freda:Thanks foWritten by Gomblo on 2014-11-20 21:33:48 IP: 78.47.224.116Dear Freda:Thanks for the encouraging words. Ming is my new hero. I have leanerd so much from her as I did from you. I still remember the time we first met 37 years ago. I just noticed you because you are such a good church choir. I used to do bible study and go to church when I first came to the States. I just love the community feeling.You are right. We need to constantly re-invent ourselves by engaging new ideas and new friends. The key is to experiment with open mind.We are not built with fixed mindset. Whenever I heard people said they cannot change, I felt they have lost the opportunity to experience life fully. Change is only a mindset to re-enforce your risk taking ( losing face/failure ) and feel you can control your destiny, for good or for bad. You take the full accountability of becoming a better you.I think you have done a great work by bringing up two fine young people. I also believe now is the time you should do something crazy with Tony so you can be the person you never know. Keep the positive energy flowing,Ping

84972Written by Omega De Ville watches Replica on 2014-11-25 02:11:39 IP: 14.147.73.187It will likely be shocked to find out that this selection of commercial thievery company is within existence to get a more time stretch of time of time. They're crafted within the excellent supplies which are utilized to the branded watches production with every single detail 100% mirrored. Still in animosity in the acclaimed cast name and around-the-clock styles, Cartier watches are accessible in an sophisticated ambit of prices and designs. The new Da Vindice Vindex Tourbillon-Barometer watch is a beautiful representative with the haute horology that combines original architecture and classic elegance with the unique number of complications.

11490Written by Fake Longines Master Collectio on 2014-11-25 16:54:06 IP: 14.147.73.187Clarifying Fundamental Factors In cartier watches replicaIndeed the compilation of Cartier Santos 100's design is appealing and mesmerizing. In today's world of fashion, it is always a privilege to become adorned with the stylish elements. They appear a hundred% related towards the distinctive ones also it truly is onerous for the majority of individuals to identify the excellence at initial glance.

14600Written by Fake Rolex Submariner on 2014-11-25 16:54:22 IP: 14.147.73.187My personal favorite is Saint Thomas Church, on 53rd Street. The only difference is that from the original manufacturers.Its salient features include its Swiss-Made ETA 2824 27-Jewel everlasting Movement 28800 aph, battery free operation, white face with chronograph dial, 440 grade stainless case and a dial of 42 mm. Males and ladies having a style-ahead perception of favor will specifically value getting a wristwatch out of this cutting-edge observe maker. If you are a person who likes things that will really utilize the entire Christmas one full year, then I believe you would like to produce a good Christmas gift with Replica Watches. We choose to generate sure you happen to be happy knowning that your demands are fulfilled within the most timely and convenient method achievable whenever you happen to become purchasing for that Replica Chopard View with us. Some people don't even know that clay goggles have been useful for skin improvement purposes for over thousands of years. To begin with, you ought to discover the right scenario size which could properly fit your wrist.

91159Written by CALIBRE DE CARTIER Replica Men on 2014-11-25 16:54:54 IP: 14.147.73.187It is consequently vital to comprehend that makes like Gucci do not wholesale as well as any particular person proclaiming being a wholesaler and supplying to make available you Gucci products desires to get seen with suspicion. Women include the synonyms protect refinement again thought. This was no surprise in my experience, as Alan Menken composed the music. Distributed by Sea & Sun, Ed Hardy swimwear features an eclectic combination of edgy designs, pop colors, exclusively-designed embellishments and curve-hugging fabrics for girls and men as well as cover ups, beach towels and boogie boards.One can walk around having a Breitling replica and never even experienced watch experts can single it out as an imitation.

13483Written by Fake Longines Flagship on 2014-11-25 16:55:11 IP: 14.147.73.187It will likely be shocked to find out that this selection of commercial thievery company is within existence to get a more time stretch of time of time. They're crafted within the excellent supplies which are utilized to the branded watches production with every single detail 100% mirrored. Still in animosity in the acclaimed cast name and around-the-clock styles, Cartier watches are accessible in an sophisticated ambit of prices and designs. The new Da Vindice Vindex Tourbillon-Barometer watch is a beautiful representative with the haute horology that combines original architecture and classic elegance with the unique number of complications.

62545Written by http://toccoaglass.com/jackets on 2014-12-06 20:55:53 IP: 14.150.156.182By wearing replica watches they could give in on their desires and yet not burn an excessive amount of money. There isn't chance of being solaced and disappointed through the Replica watches as they'll surely offer you more than everything you expected. This can also be one of the best selling and credit giving types of Replica watches. This suggests that as an alternative of marking each second, the other hand moves swiftly into a number of ticks very well. The exhausted versions in the Pasha will be in 18 carat craven gold, rose gold, stainless-steel, and they are bogus both in men's and some women's models. http://toccoaglass.com/jackets_wwwclubdechancefr.toccoaglass.com/

10755Written by http://oursydneyoperahouse.com on 2014-12-06 20:55:55 IP: 14.150.156.182The Options For No-Hassle cartier watches replica ProgramsOne particular of the oldest jewelers in the world, accouterment on the whims of potential and cine stars alike, Cartier enjoys a acceptability for affairs by yourself the best superior adornment and accessories. http://oursydneyoperahouse.com/scarf_hgp2gc.oursydneyoperahouse.com/

36339Written by http://blog.belletoday.com.ph/ on 2014-12-11 20:49:46 IP: 113.66.186.146Clarifying Fundamental Factors In cartier watches replicaIndeed the compilation of Cartier Santos 100's design is appealing and mesmerizing. In today's world of fashion, it is always a privilege to become adorned with the stylish elements. They appear a hundred% related towards the distinctive ones also it truly is onerous for the majority of individuals to identify the excellence at initial glance.

72166Written by seo plugin on 2015-01-23 08:15:22 IP: 183.207.228.52Hello Web Admin, I noticed that your On-Page SEO is is missing a few factors, for one you do not use all three H tags in your post, also I notice that you are not using bold or italics properly in your SEO optimization. On-Page SEO means more now than ever since the new Google update: Panda. No longer are backlinks and simply pinging or sending out a RSS feed the key to getting Google PageRank or Alexa Rankings, You now NEED On-Page SEO. So what is good On-Page SEO?First your keyword must appear in the title.Then it must appear in the URL.You have to optimize your keyword and make sure that it has a nice keyword density of 3-5% in your article with relevant LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing). Then you should spread all H1,H2,H3 tags in your article.Your Keyword should appear in your first paragraph and in the last sentence of the page. You should have relevant usage of Bold and italics of your keyword.There should be one internal link to a page on your blog and you should have one image with an alt tag that has your keyword....wait there's even more Now what if i told you there was a simple Wordpress plugin that does all the On-Page SEO, and automatically for you? That's right AUTOMATICALLY, just watch this 4minute video for more information at. Seo Plugin

69511Written by Hassan on 2015-02-03 14:14:07 IP: 114.44.209.214I simply could not go away your site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard info an individual provide on your visitors? Is going to be again regularly to check up on new posts.

93219Written by Jackie on 2015-02-08 13:30:19 IP: 112.19.126.85You already know therefore considerably in terms of this matter, made me in my view consider it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women don't seem to be involved except it is something to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time handle it up!

96875Written by Elmer on 2015-02-08 23:49:44 IP: 182.92.81.187I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

11308Written by Andy on 2015-02-09 01:44:17 IP: 186.93.175.74There are other ideas to review the topic than the one that were mentioned. I must explain that you have greater knowledge than me.

31063Written by Elijah on 2015-02-09 07:05:31 IP: 184.20.80.204Howdy! I in words of one syllable would like to impart a vast thumbs cheery in support of the clear records you have at this juncture taking place this send. I will maybe be present future again to your weblog for more soon.

92413Written by Hassan on 2015-02-22 15:07:33 IP: 111.248.132.80Fantastic post, it is great to finally find insightful info amongst the dross, I am greatly pleased to come across a blog that is not full of the usual dross, thank you.

87258Written by seo on 2015-03-24 10:28:35 IP: 104.168.61.111Hello Web Admin, I noticed that your On-Page SEO is is missing a few factors, for one you do not use all three H tags in your post, also I notice that you are not using bold or italics properly in your SEO optimization. On-Page SEO means more now than ever since the new Google update: Panda. No longer are backlinks and simply pinging or sending out a RSS feed the key to getting Google PageRank or Alexa Rankings, You now NEED On-Page SEO. So what is good On-Page SEO?First your keyword must appear in the title.Then it must appear in the URL.You have to optimize your keyword and make sure that it has a nice keyword density of 3-5% in your article with relevant LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing). Then you should spread all H1,H2,H3 tags in your article.Your Keyword should appear in your first paragraph and in the last sentence of the page. You should have relevant usage of Bold and italics of your keyword.There should be one internal link to a page on your blog and you should have one image with an alt tag that has your keyword....wait there's even more Now what if i told you there was a simple Wordpress plugin that does all the On-Page SEO, and automatically for you? That's right AUTOMATICALLY, just watch this 4minute video for more information at. Seo Plugin

66662Written by seo on 2015-03-28 17:30:04 IP: 104.168.62.72Hello Web Admin, I noticed that your On-Page SEO is is missing a few factors, for one you do not use all three H tags in your post, also I notice that you are not using bold or italics properly in your SEO optimization. On-Page SEO means more now than ever since the new Google update: Panda. No longer are backlinks and simply pinging or sending out a RSS feed the key to getting Google PageRank or Alexa Rankings, You now NEED On-Page SEO. So what is good On-Page SEO?First your keyword must appear in the title.Then it must appear in the URL.You have to optimize your keyword and make sure that it has a nice keyword density of 3-5% in your article with relevant LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing). Then you should spread all H1,H2,H3 tags in your article.Your Keyword should appear in your first paragraph and in the last sentence of the page. You should have relevant usage of Bold and italics of your keyword.There should be one internal link to a page on your blog and you should have one image with an alt tag that has your keyword....wait there's even more Now what if i told you there was a simple Wordpress plugin that does all the On-Page SEO, and automatically for you? That's right AUTOMATICALLY, just watch this 4minute video for more information at. Seo Plugin

47757Written by Cheap Michael Kors on 2015-03-30 12:14:50 IP: 222.77.247.34right! Now entering the era of personalized shopping, the process of buying dairy products also have such a tendency, because consumers need to be respected emotion, personality and give vent to the feelings communicated. So, I think A group of packaging design should have the dual function of physical and mental attributes to achieve the dual property, you need to differences in design, this point you should be especially prominent.?Oh, I see, the overall emphasis is often competing products and packaging to create an effective differentiation. 'I'll focus on the conversation recorded in a book. They chatted for a while before they hang up. Well, we followed the next bit of harassment. Cheap Michael Kors

43530Written by Cheap Michael Kors on 2015-03-30 19:19:58 IP: 222.77.247.34only to hear the sound of the curtain, into a more beautiful than the peach girl, she wore a white tunic month, smiled, pale peach sky. The maiden softly: 'Are you awake??Luo Fei only said: 'Maybe I was lucky not right!' He finished, can not help but blush. He did not want to lie, but this kind of thing, interpretation can not explain. Cheap Michael Kors

48680Written by Cheap Michael Kors on 2015-03-31 19:32:42 IP: 222.77.247.81cry, hit the door came a dark and thin, young people face bad pimple in the middle of a station to the house, but do not know where to put hands and feet go. Cheap Michael Kors

92118Written by Cheap Michael Kors on 2015-03-31 20:12:08 IP: 222.77.247.81yes ah, you just do not jump bad, is not the old spring; especially you, really good performance. Lvwei I said, meaningful. Cheap Michael Kors

51904Written by ray ban 3016 on 2015-04-26 21:51:44 IP: 208.64.29.250A WAY the current perfectionist, or maybe a hubby who would emphasises he has to can asleep at any expense, plus gentleman as their as well goal-oriented, is probably going to want a little more about your self than a lady this is less tied-down. ray ban 3016

36647Written by michael kors baby bag on 2015-04-27 00:11:33 IP: 76.164.234.170Also yes, on the off chance that you copy another person's content its going to serve you awful possibly; it may even be termed as unoriginality and result into terrible search rankings. michael kors baby bag

80078Written by pandora uk on 2015-04-28 06:33:17 IP: 68.64.172.234Gross margins improved sequentially but compared to last year promotional pricing strategy they came up short year-over-year. pandora uk

89109Written by pandora charm bracelet on 2015-04-28 06:34:27 IP: 68.64.172.234Those who never heard of ever visiting scientists to ask for an explanation of this phenomenon. pandora charm bracelet

93907Written by pandora uk on 2015-04-28 06:34:40 IP: 68.64.172.234Being fashionable designed and bright in color, Adidas NEO Label is a sports life brand which is the most vibrant brand in Adidas family, and keeps to the present prime tideway, so it is the fire-new sports leisure brand intimate to life. pandora uk

97263Written by pandora jewelry on 2015-04-28 06:34:40 IP: 68.64.172.234More importantly for anyone trying to divine the company's future earnings, it's clear that fee income varies substantially depending on new loan books and portfolio company repayments and pre-payments. pandora jewelry

17683Written by pandora radio on 2015-04-28 06:34:40 IP: 68.64.172.234From washroom cleaning items, to laundry washing soaps, at hand soaps, as well as kitchen garbage bags, Seventh Generation offers products to satisfy all your green house cleaning requirements. pandora radio

95945Written by cheap ray ban sunglasses on 2015-04-29 03:36:52 IP: 208.64.29.250Acquire spots also need party transportation use involving fighting assist as soon as they fixtures soon after to outweigh they after years informed about time. cheap ray ban sunglasses

92669Written by pandora charms on 2015-04-29 04:30:46 IP: 68.64.172.234A few WoW guides tell you to do mission after mission while other guides tell you to put your nose to the grindstone and bleed your heart out. pandora charms

81919Written by pandora sale on 2015-04-29 04:30:54 IP: 68.64.172.234The device has seen sales decline in recent fiscal quarters, and I'm guessing another large drop will come this week. pandora sale

42121Written by pandora jewellery on 2015-04-29 04:31:07 IP: 68.64.172.234Thomastik Infeld Vision strings for violin are manufactured for advanced players but are used by beginner and intermediate violinists These too are wound on synthetic core and are known for their durability and ease of playing Vision strings are available in thee different gauges and are designed for chamber orchestral or solo playing A set of Vision strings retail for around /> pandora jewellery

24268Written by pandora rings uk on 2015-04-29 04:31:13 IP: 68.64.172.234Having raised this possibility, I must say that I personally do not believe that this event will occur. pandora rings uk

94649Written by pandora jewelry on 2015-04-29 04:31:21 IP: 68.64.172.234Nearby island of Lombok which is more suitable for tourists who vacation with family. pandora jewelry

40885Written by pandora charms uk on 2015-04-29 04:31:36 IP: 68.64.172.234Let me challenge you right currently to jot down down a tiny goal, one thing that is inconsequential and to who's outcome you are not attached and stick it where you'll be able to see it every day. pandora charms uk

33191Written by pandora bracelet on 2015-04-29 04:31:44 IP: 68.64.172.234At least a third to half of the content of a performance must be taken from local news, thus retaining the specificity and relevance of content for each audience. pandora bracelet

25914Written by pandora sale on 2015-04-29 04:31:54 IP: 68.64.172.234You can try asking around to compare rates so that you can scale your budget. pandora sale

14773Written by pandora sale on 2015-04-29 04:32:02 IP: 68.64.172.234After applying the formula I have hit 4 numbers on one of my lottery tickets and 3 on two other lottery tickets. pandora sale

42270Written by disney pandora charms uk on 2015-04-29 04:32:10 IP: 68.64.172.234The nice thing about this type of pairing is that the breeder will achieve the Golden Retriever personality traits while forfeiting the shaggy coat by 1 or 2 pups. disney pandora charms uk

51180Written by pandora jewelry on 2015-04-29 04:32:16 IP: 68.64.172.234Rebecca is happy that Colton company made the atlas but she wants to see proof that the Civil War was in process when this atlas was made. pandora jewelry

97946Written by pandora necklace on 2015-04-29 04:32:31 IP: 68.64.172.234Blow drying your hair is one of the tool in preserving delicate hair. pandora necklace

93728Written by pandora sale on 2015-04-29 04:32:44 IP: 68.64.172.234Is utilizing Green DIY Energy as your way to obtain information about solar energy a good option? The following program has countless happy customers. pandora sale

83671Written by pandora rings uk on 2015-04-29 04:33:03 IP: 68.64.172.234But if you feel strongly that the whole-body scan of a millimeter-wave machine violates your privacy, you can opt out of the screening process. pandora rings uk